Author

Date of Award

2003

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Michelle LaBrecque

Keywords

Gait Disorders, Neurologic -- rehabilitation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of partial body weight support during gait for individuals with neurological dysfunction. Body weight support (BWS) training provides a safe environment in which the individual can perform and practice mechanics of normal gait at a variety of speeds with or without body weight support, depending on the level of function. The subjects who participated in this study were community ambulators older than 20 years of age with a neurological diagnosis. Each subject was tested initially and at the conclusion of the study to compare data using a battery of balance and gait tests. Each subject participated in body weight support treadmill gait training using the LiteGaitTM three times a week for up to six weeks. Each subject was to begin with 40% body weight support (BWS) and a treadmill speed of .5 mph, progress to 20% BWS and a speed of .7 mph, and finally to 0% BWS and a speed of 1.0 mph. All three subjects made improvements when comparing initial to final testing results. Many factors may have limited the results of our study including the tester, sensitivity of the tests performed, or sudden changes in medical status.